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Tom Cronin’s motto is, “Keep the foot on the gas, but the hands on the steering wheel.” It’s a mantra he lives by.
Cronin has only been with Roers Cos. for a short time, but in his 2.5 years as chief financial officer of the Plymouth-based real estate development company, he has made a big impact. Cronin has overseen eight sales of 12 properties totaling more than $390 million.
He has created a new in-house legal team and led the refinance of Roers’ workforce housing property to improve the company’s financial position. He also took advantage of short-term interest rates to bring two underperforming properties into their debt covenants, with one now under contract to sell at a profit.
Under his leadership, Roers has doubled its headcount, expanded into multiple new states, and added a new regional headquarters in Texas.
More about the honoree …
Hometown: Arden Hills
Education: St. John’s University; master's in business taxation, Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.
Family: Wife, Rhonda; children, Quinlan and Vinny
What’s a key metric or number from your career that you’re proud of? 100% of the companies where I've held a C-level position have seen growth during my tenure.
Why finance as a career? I enjoy working with people, and I recognized that everyone within a business is impacted by finances one way or another. This career path allows me to connect with a variety of teams and make a difference.
What was a key takeaway from the past year that will guide you going forward? A significant lesson from the past year that influenced my approach going forward is the importance of surrounding myself with an exceptional team. The challenges we faced together showcased the power of collective expertise, resilience and support. It became evident that a strong team can not only weather the storm, but also chart the path to success. I've learned to value and empower my team even more, seeking their insights and collaboration when navigating complex situations.
Favorite spot for a business lunch? Every Tuesday and Thursday, all Roers Cos. team members eat lunch together in our cafeteria. It’s one of my favorite spots to eat because relationships are built between departments, and I have the opportunity to learn about what people do outside of work.
How do you start your day? I typically start my day by going on a 5-mile run with my dog.
What advice would you give a high school student? Take advantage of the opportunities to promote your personal brand while building professional relationships with people around you. In today's job landscape, traditional career paths are becoming less rigid, so don't be afraid to express your interest in different roles or industries. Charting your own path and following your passions can open doors to exciting future endeavors.
What is something not many people know about you? I have a one-of-a-kind relationship with my alarm clock. I only get out of bed when it displays an even number.